Norfolk avenges loss, beats Charlotte 4-1

(norfolkadmirals.com) – Norfolk wasn’t happy with their loss in Charlotte yesterday morning, and it showed, as the Admirals triumphed 4-1 over the Checkers tonight at Scope Arena.

The Admirals’ Goalie Igor Bobkov saved all but one of the 25 shots he faced, and was named first star of the night for his efforts. At the other end of the ice was the Checkers’ Daniel Altshuller who turned aside 31 of the Admirals’ 35 shots.

After a scoreless first period, David Steckel drew first blood for Norfolk, snapping a shot behind Altshuller. A veteran of 425 NHL games, Steckel scored just 1:40 into the second, assisted by Josh Manson and Brendan Bell.

Charlotte tied the game later that period with a power play goal as Alex Aleardi slipped one past the Admirals’ net minder. Phil Di Giuseppe and defenseman Keegan Lowe had the helpers.

The Checkers wouldn’t get another such opportunity, however, as Norfolk took over the scoring. Less than three minutes later, Antoine Laganiere notched a power play goal of his own, assisted by Bell and Nic Kerdiles, which would prove to be the eventual game winner. Laganiere was also awarded the third star of the game.

It was quite a night for NHL journeymen, as Brad Winchester got his name on the scoresheet, having joined the Admirals after compiling 390 games in the NHL. Winchester received help from Max Friberg and Kevin Gagne with 15:47 left in the third.

Wrapping up the scoring was Norfolk’s Matt Bailey, with Louis Leblanc assisting at 17:41 of the third period, inciting cheers and chants from the crowd.

Norfolk was 2-for-5 on their power play, while allowing just one from Charlotte’s five chances, including one 5-on-3.